Product Description
What happens to an individual's estate after they are gone is very much within their control. Estate planning is not only for the wealthy; it is for everyone. It is simply the process of deciding where your assets are to be distributed after your death.
For those people who wish to preserve their assets for designated purposes such as family or special charities it becomes necessary to make special advance preparations. Performing these important preparations is commonly referred to as estate planning.
For an individual to help ensure that his assets are protected and final wishes carried out, there are some common actions that need to be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs.
Your estate plan should allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should give what you own to whom you want, at a time of your choosing, the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and for those you love. The last thing you want to worry about is having it drained of value through taxes and legal costs. The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. This new book will help you glide through the complicated process.
One of the biggest issues you need to consider is estate taxes. For starters, Uncle Sam begins collecting gift taxes at the $1 million level. Married couples with estates over $4 million are subject to estate taxes that soar up to 46 percent and if you wish to leave money to grandchildren, estate taxes can reach as high as 73 percent!
Many books on estate planning indicate you do not need the services of an attorney, but we highly recommend an attorney versed in this area to assist you. You should not go through the process alone. What this book will do though is explain the complicated issues, terminology, and planning strategies of estate planning to the lay person (me and you) so that when you do meet with a qualified attorney, you will be well prepared. You will understand legal terms and be ready to discuss issues and strategies with familiarity, saving time and legal fees and ensuring peace of mind.
Some of the contents of the book are wills, assets, and settlement costs, probate, guardianship and minor children, executors and trustees, life insurance, living trusts, living wills, durable power of attorney, catastrophic illness, potential long-term care needs, marital deductions, types of trusts, federal and state estate exemptions, irrevocable life insurance trusts, gift splitting, survivorship deeds, charitable remainder trusts, 529 plans, health care proxy, power of attorney, reducing or eliminating estate taxes, avoiding tax on life insurance, using insurance to pay estate taxes, gift tax issues, generation skipping transfer tax, and tax deferred accounts.
Estate planning should be a positive experience. It involves reviewing your situation and planning for your future. Although most people also find it unpleasant to think about the possibility of disability or death, advance planning is also a way to show your love and to reduce potential distress later. Get started today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Planning your Estate in full detail
The author chose a topic that a lot of people worry about when preparing for the future of their loved ones after they are gone. This book definitely broke down, in an easy way to understand, how to plan one's estate. The detailed explanation of each topic, people to help in the process and the case examples make this book one that can be referred to as frequently as possible. Majority of the information in the book is not common knowledge and what most people may not consider. No family would go wrong in reading this book in knowing what actions to take.

The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate--a Step-by-Step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wish
Sandy Baker covers the immense detail of personal estate planning in her "Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate--a Step-by-Step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wishes are Fulfilled."

Baker knows what it takes when it comes to putting your plan together, and helps the reader understand the entire process. Each chapter is easy to comprehend for anyone interested in their , or their loved ones future financial security.

The book begins with helping you find what you're financially worth, the value of your home, and separating your debts. Baker then describes how you can then figure out what it will take to make sure those actions are carried out.

Although the information is basic, I like the way the author reviews the steps in an easy to read fashion. Baker's step-by-step plan includes what it takes not just to save money, but to make sure that your financial decisions remain intact.

Comprehensive and Easy to Use!
Estate planning isn't exactly a topic for leisure reading; cracking any book on the subject, one expects, will mean trudging through dry and excruciating legalese.

Fortunately, The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate makes the subject far less painful. A practical, usable guide for the layperson, The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate breaks the topic down into easily digestible pieces. Part readable narrative, part reference book, the guide covers estate planning considerations from the most basic (what is an estate? What are you worth?) to the more complex (various legal statutes, for example, and understanding estate taxes).

Practical advice includes how to select your key supporting players (attorney, financial planner, accountant, insurance agent) and how to plan for long-term care, retirement, and unexpected events like divorce and disability.

Compact easy-to-read case studies put the concepts into real-life context, and the inclusion of a handy glossary of common estate terminology and an appendix containing useful, reproducible forms including a living will and power of attorney, make The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate an asset to any home library.

A good resource to start planning your estate
If you are an adult, this book is relevant to you regardless of what your stage in life is; it is important to have proper estate planning in place. This book is an excellent source of information on what goes into estate planning, providing both an excellent overview and attention to a myriad of specific circumstances. Ms. Baker describes the types of professional help available in estate planning and how to evaluate credentials. This book even provides time tables involved in the length of time to make these plans.

The reader of this book will be provided information regarding real estate, debt, taxes, and how divorce affects estate distribution. This book can help you determine what steps to take in order to avoid probate, how different types of insurance are handled, and how to make sure that wills and living trusts are enforced.

There are several case studies throughout this book, which provide helpful insight into the necessity for proper estate planning.

Where there's a will...
Let's face it, no one likes to think about dying. But, the harsh reality is that we're all going to go sometime, so doesn't it make sense to leave your affairs in order? Sandy Baker's comprehensive guide offers invaluable advice for avoiding some of the pitfalls of estate planning. Whether you have a healthy portfolio of stocks and bonds or just want to make sure that your favorite cousin gets your hunting rifle, pick up a copy of this book.

Baker's book provides clear explanations of wills, living wills, trusts, as well as suggestions on who to consult for professional help when you're planning your estate. More than half of the adults in America today haven't made the necessary plans to provide for their loved ones, which means the government can step in and assume control of their assets. Don't assume that a hand-written, or holographic, will be accepted, either, because they are not recognized as legal documents in every state. In addition, Baker offers sound advice on establishing clear goals to protect your assets, and deciding how you want them dispersed, as well as provision for everything from paying taxes to selecting trustees to handle funds for minors.

The guide discusses the pros and cons of the probate process, which can sometimes take at least one year to complete. While Baker does lean a little heavily in favor of insurances, something not every person can easily afford these days, she closes her book with a useful glossary that clearly explains legal terms related to the estate-planning process. Baker will help you to make sure that your heirs get everything to which they are entitled.
... Read more

Product Description
America's No. 1 selling estate planning software in book form, helps you create a will, living trust, living will -- and much more!

Help protect your family and your assets, and save on legal fees! Quicken Willmaker Plus 2009 Edition: Estate Planning Essentials provides the legal forms you need. So comprehensive, the software assembles your forms from among 40,000 document possibilities -- but so easy to use, you'll have them finished in minutes.

PLUS! Package includes a free CD-Rom of Nolo's bestselling title THE EXECUTOR'S GUIDE with Quicken Willmaker 2009, a value of $39.99!

Will

Product Description
Closely Held Businesses in Estate Planning provides exhaustive coverage of the gratuitous transfer tax system, inter vivos gifting strategies, valuations freezes, intra-family sales, buy-sell agreements, the marital deduction, planning strategies for retirement income distributions, and valuation of closely held business interests. This easy-to-use reference provides complete and comprehensive coverage of the strategies and practices for protecting a closely held business while limiting the tax burden on the estate s owner. (NOTE: THIS IS THE RING-BOUND PARENT EDITION) ... Read more

Product Description
Planning your estate is a long, complicated process that requires much time and effort. The process of organizing your records for estate planning is equally time consuming and complex. Hiring an attorney to assist you may cost more than you are willing to spend. With the help of The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning, you can not only take charge of your estate planning documentation, but also save time, money, and effort. In this new book, you will learn how to find an organizational system that works for you, where to look for records, what to record, who to tell, where to keep records, and how often to update your records. You will also find information on creating a will or a living will, setting up a trust, assigning power of attorney, and filling out health care directives. Additionally, you will learn about the documents that should be included in your estate plan, such as insurance policies, Social Security cards, birth certificates of minor children, stock brokerage statements, credit card numbers and statements, certificates of deposit, real estate deeds, mortgage statements, retirement account savings, non-retirement account savings, and current bank statements. The CD-ROM is filled with sample documents and worksheets, as well as a checklist of often overlooked information, including any medications you take, where you worked, where your savings and checking accounts are located, where your car title is located, what your funeral plans or wishes are, and who should receive what. The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning will help you prepare your documents and record your final instructions and wishes. By using the information provided in this book you will save money you might otherwise have spent on legal and accounting fees. In addition, you will save your family the frustration of searching for these documents if something should ever happen to you. This book, written in an easy-to-understand language, will walk you through the process of organizing your records and make the process much easier for you and your family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

And Organized way to Organize
The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning
by
Reviewed by Jaimie Adler

I found this book to deliver exactly what the introduction promised it would, which is rare. I found the book to be clear, easy to follow and contain lots of great hints and ideas - two copies of everything is case of damage -brilliant! I also found the worksheets to be well laid out and easy to complete.

In chapter 1 where the author listed his recommendations of what to include in your file was thoughtful as well as helpful - biography, a letter to those you love...he didn't miss a beat..organizations and clubs, charities,,things one might forget when knee deep in preparing for the worst.

Without soundingredundant, each chapter was well thought out, clear and written in a way that not only reminded me to set up my estate, but after reading this, I felt it was a task that if done in a calculated fashion like the book suggests, could be done with limited stress and anxiety.

4 stars

Handles a Difficult Topic Well
I'll be honest; when I first opened this book, I was prepared for a very dry and technical bore-fest.I was surprised to find that John Peragine took a topic that can often be uncomfortable and sensitive - planning for one's death - and handled it with sensitivity and compassion.He made a task that is often so overwhelming that people can't even wrap their heads around it, and made it manageable.There are even tips for writing a personal letter to your family, which was a nice touch. The Complete Guide to Organizing your Records for Estate Planning is an excellent tool to use in accomplishing this necessary goal, especially if you have children.

Some of the features I appreciated about this book were the detailed charts that included plans for every aspect of your life, right down to access codes, passwords and pet care.I never would have thought of making a family tree for my kids as part of an estate planning portfolio, but it makes perfect sense.The inclusion of things like photos and memorabilia humanizes the text without getting overly sentimental.Peragine understands that he's communicating with real people.

Speaking of real people, there is a wealth of knowledge cited throughout the guide from attorneys and professionals.The quotes used in the main text were unobtrusive and useful; however, I found the case studies at the end to be a little off-putting.They felt like endorsements for people to use lawyers and didn't seem to add much beyond what had already been stated in the body of the book.While they may make valid points about the necessity of hiring attorneys for estate planning, this portion of the book seemed to undo the earlier tone of the work.

Overall I'd rate this book a 5 out of 5.I highly recommend reading the text and completing the portfolio as soon as possible.

A must-have for estate planners and anyone planning their own estate.
It is said that the only certainties in life are "death and taxes."We can try to avoid taxes but, when it comes to dying, all we can do is prepare ourselves.That preparation should include proper estate planning.In "The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning," John N. Peragine, Jr. delivers a comprehensive resource for everyone who has yet to develop an estate plan or who merely wants to update their current plan.

Estate planning is about much more than simple will preparation.Mr. Peragine clearly and cohesively explains all of the elements of an effective plan, from the assembly of relevant documentation, preparation of a farewell letter to loved ones, preparation of a will, expression of instructions regarding the desired treatment of minor children, lists of employers and service providers who should be notified, funeral decisions and numerous other finer points that everyone should consider in order to ensure an effective administration of one's estate.By following Mr. Peragine's instructions, we cannot stave off our death, but we can do a great deal to ensure that our wishes are followed after we are gone and that our loved ones do not have to endure an onerous probate process.

"The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning" is bundled with a companion CD-ROM that provides all of the forms and templates referenced in the book and which makes the compilation and organization of the relevant documentation that much easier.Quite simply, anyone who has loved ones - whether family, friends or pets - or who has any specific intent with respect to the disposition of his or her assets, must have a viable estate plan."The Complete Guide to Organizing Your Records for Estate Planning" provides an outstanding guide to creating such a plan and will make a wonderful addition to any and every home library.In addition, this book can serve as an outstanding guide for estate planning professionals, as they guide their clients.

If you don't know where or how to start, start here.
As a single mother of two young children, estate planning and ensuring my children's future is definitely on my mind. I know I need a will and I know I need to make sure that my children have a guardian if something should happen to me. After dealing with my mother's affairs, I am painfully aware of how difficult it can be when a love one does NOT have the appropriate plans made. Incapacitation can happen suddenly and death is inevitable, but the frustration doesn't need to be.

What surprised me about this book was how thorough it was. I'd say it was overwhelming in how much it covered, but it lays it out so well and walks the reader through it one step at a time so that it seems doable. In the end, not only are the basic necessities covered, but your loved ones are left with something more - things I'd never even thought of before.

The idea the author offers is to create a 3 ring binder to organize and store information. Making a couple of copies of the binder makes sense. But the book goes even further. Along with the standard documents such as a will, life insurance policies and powers of attorney, it also suggests (and show you how to create) letters to friends, family and loved ones, even letters to children.

Most of us don't want to think about our "final" affairs unless we absolutely have to, but what a powerful way to say, "I love you enough to take care of you even if I'm not here."

Buying Peace of Mind
After reading this book I realized, if I were to die suddenly, my family would be left in the dark. They would not know my last wishes, where my will is located, or who to contact. There is a lot of important information that goes into estate planning. But, not only do you have to gather the info you also have to know where to put it and who to put in charge of it. This book explained it all.
It made the maze of legal jargon easy to understand.There are so many things to think of and take care of; with this book you won't overlook any of them. The price of the book seems almost small for the peace of mind it provides.
... Read more

Product Description
This resource provides expert and current guidance on the basic principles of international estate planning, the complex taxation issues involved, jurisdictional options, and governmental controls and reporting requirements. ... Read more

Product Description
How can you provide a financially sound future for your loved ones while avoiding estate planning or even making a will, unsure about how to effectively plan for the disposition of your assets?

Estate planning is essential-no matter how much money or property you intend to leave to your heirs. In this handy Q&A guide, you'll find answers to all your questions about taxes, gifts, wills, will substitutes, and much more, including:

• What is a community property state?
• What are the disadvantages of intestacy?
• What is the fair market value of an estate?
• What is the generation-skipping transfer tax?

Product Description
Too often, women ignore the state of their financial affairs and/or depend on others in their lives to keep them in order. It is only too late that they (or their dependents) realize the significance of having their affairs in order not only in case of untimely death, but with increasing life spans and advances in medical care, in case of incapacity from illness or dementia. Annino, with 20 plus years of experience in estate planning, offers a book that explains, step by step and across many different living situations, why being prepared is necessary and how to determine your specific wants and needs in order to plan appropriately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Excellent estate planning guide for women
Annino's book provides the basic legal knowledge women need to deal with problems such as caring for elderly parents or young children, preparing for death or disability of self or spouse, whether to buy insurance, etc. However, there is no dry legalese: the advice is straightforward and abundantly illustrated with interesting stories from her law practice. Inchapters aimed at women in various stages (divorcing, single, married, etc.) Annino seems to be having a personal conversation directly with the reader, offering lots of practical advice. Even has a fashionably pretty cover! Ladies: start your studies with this book.

Great Mother's Day Gift!
As an attorney practicing in the field of estate planning, I read Patricia Annino's book hoping to find it a good resource for my women clients. Not only will I be reommending Women & Money to my clients, but am giving a copy to my mother for Mother's Day this year!The book presents a lot of complicated estate planning, financial, and tax matters in easy to understand terms with clear and realistic examples that women can easily relate to whether they are single, married, divorced, or widowed. In addition to explaining the legal aspects of planning, Patricia gives great tips, hints, and practical advice throughout the book.I definitely recommend it.

Understanding Estate Planning
This is an excellent read for the lay person trying to either understand what the steps are to plan her disposition wishes or confrm that she has put everything in the proper order. The author writes in clear easy to understand language and neatly summarizes the key points of each chapter at the end of each chapter. Women need to take more care of their financial life and reading this book can be the first step.

A Superb Financial and Estate Planning Resource for Women

As an author and a practicing attorney in the field of estate planning, I am always on the lookout for materials, particularly readable books, that clearly, simply, and accurately explain some of the unfortunately complicated issues that clients must understand in developing and planning their estates.This concern is a bit compounded when one is dealing with women clients, since in many instances their circumstances are often unique.Thus, I was positively thrilled with the publication of Attorney Annino's book, "Women & Money."In a clear and accurate way, Patricia covers virtually every issue that women face in planning their estates.I cannot recommend the book more highly, and in fact I am planning to purchase a supply of copies to give to my own clients.

Alexander A. Bove, Jr.
Boston, Massachusetts

FINANCIAL PEACE

Here, at long last, is a book that provides women a roadmap of the financial world. No matter how hectic your life might be, this book is worth the time to read. Patricia Annino's depth of expertise is demonstrated through storytelling. She makes it easy to face financial questions that are so often emotionally intimidating. Whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, whether you are living alone or responsible for others, this book is a gem precisely because it raises the right questions and provides a menu of answers. This book stands to become a classic. Mothers will sent copies to their daughters with notes in the margin. Young single women will read the book in their 20's and go back to it again and again as their life unfolds. ... Read more

Product Description
Keep your vacation home in the family with the definitive guide to succession planning.

Now published by Nolo, Saving the Family Cottage is written in plain English by estate planning and succession attorney-experts Stuart Hollander and David S. Fry, to help you plan to pass on your vacation home and keep it in the family. Complete with real-world examples and stories of cottage "wars" gone awry, this book breaks down the essentials for passing your cottage to the next generation.

Find out how to:

Product Description
Discover one of the industry s oldest, most trusted sources for a working knowledge of estate planning guiding through the entire process: in-depth explanations, point-by-point comparisons, tax implications, and the translation skills needed to help clients understand complex recommendations. Delivers comprehensive coverage of more than 50 tools and techniques with supporting overview of taxes affecting trusts/estates and countless estate planning aids with new data gathering forms.
Are you avoiding the 10 most common estate planning mistakes? Discover one of the industry s oldest, most trusted sources for a working knowledge of estate planning guiding you through the entire estate planning process with: in-depth explanations, point-by-point comparisons, tax implications, and the translation skills needed to help clients understand complex recommendations. Delivers comprehensive coverage of more than 50 estate planning tools and techniques with supporting overview of taxes affecting trusts and estates and countless estate planning aids with new data gathering forms.
Chapters hone skills/strategies towards:

Identifying estate planning, data gathering & analysis processes
Defining ownership & transfer of property
Discussing general taxation as it impacts estate planning
Planning for non-U.S. persons & post mortem elections
Assessing gifts with analysis of various trusts & giving to charities
Reviewing the role of life insurance
Intrafamily & other business transfer techniques
Planning for incapacity & non-traditional relationships
14th Edition is supplemented to capture all of the opportunities related to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 featuring a quick reference guide from the Editors of Tax Facts Series ($15.20 value). New chapters deliver expanded coverage on family limited partnerships with new checklists and factors determining proper gift(sale) leaseback transaction treatment. Kiddie tax, Medicaid, and Deferred Compensation under new IRC Section 409A changes enrich the relevancy of this text. Discover clear and concise explanations easily translated into the real-world planning process involving the accumulation, conservation, and distribution of an estate. Life Insurance, PACE, and CFP® CE Filed.

Chapters to feature: the top 12

Ownership and Transfer of Property
Power of Appointment
Marital Deduction and Bypass Trusts
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
Family Limited Partnerships
Grantor Retained Interest Trusts
Defective Trust
Estate Tax
Sale (Gift) Leaseback
Valuation Planning
Disclaimers
Gift Tax



Delivers value at any knowledge level introductory, overview & review!

Testimonials
In each of our books we had one major goal in mind: To create the single best source of up-to-date, pragmatic and transferable information on the topics you need to help others.

Stephan R. Leimberg, Lead Author of Tools & Techniques ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great starting place for Estates Law
I practice strictly estate planning, probate and elder law.After reading this excellent guide to estate planning, I can't, for the life of me, understand why my law school professors didn't use this book in my estates and trusts courses.It is by far the most down-to-earth, "just give me the facts, ma'am," clearly organized and comprehensive book on estate planning that I have come across yet.Some chapters are not quite as detailed as I would have liked them to be, but are nevertheless a great starting point.I find that I am reaching for this book on a regular basis as I need a quick review of a topic.It is certainly worth having on your shelf.

T&T review
Book came in great condition.Satisfied with price and free delivery.Would shop for additional titles ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A valuable legal guide for unmarried or same sex partners.
Legalized marriage, or even common law marriage, gives a couple some automatic rights and privileges.This is not true of unmarried couples and same sex partners.If proper estate planning and power of attorney planning are missing from the relationship, then some distant, and sometimes unfriendly, relative might step in and ruin lives and property interests.
The book by Hoyt and Pollock, both experienced attorneys, is must reading for those not "legally married" and can guide the couple into disaster prevention steps.It is a common sense guidebook that avoids unfamiliar legal terms.I like the down to earth approach of these two authors and recommend the book highly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

wonderful and eye-opening
I truly believe that this book is a must-read for anyone interested in art. The book is divided into two sections, the first for collectors and the second for financial advisors.

In the first section, Mendelsohn (named one of the top 100 collectors by Art + Antiques Magazine) tells the reader about his own journey collecting art. He provides incredibly valuable tips for other aspiring collectors--such as why you need to get to the auction house early, how to be the first one a dealer calls when a new piece comes on the market, and how to strategically plan a collection's growth. These insider tips make any art lover feel confident about stepping foot into a gallery or auction house to build a world-class collection.

The second section is devoted to planning for the future of a collection. While almost all of us have financial planners, insurance agents, and lawyers to help us plan for our lives, our investments, and our estates, few have someone helping them plan for their art and antique assets. Mendelsohn points out that failing to plan for these pieces can result in losses of over 70%! Therefore, this second half of the book is devoted to helping collectors and their financial advisors plan for their art more effectively.

It's a great resource and I highly recommend it to anyone with a substantial amount of time and money invested in art and antiques.

What's with that cover art?
The cover illustration appears to be of a wooden doll hanging upside down. My copy doesn't contain any explanation of this, except to give the designer of that cover a name: Sarah Martin.

The author apparently collects folk art, including wooden dolls (a particular set of dolls is prominently mentioned in the text -- although I have no ideal whether this is one of those).

There are lots of loose threads in this book -- estate planning for people in possession of valuable collections and eager to minimize tax losses is a topic worthy of books. In time, I hope, it will prove worthy of a better book than this. ... Read more

Product Description
Most Americans don?t have a will. They avoid estate planning because they don?t want to think about death or they think it?s too complicated. But this easy-to-follow guide takes the mystery out of the process. This book shows readers how easy it can be to plan for security and peace of mind. Readers learn how to write a will, create an estate plan, designate executors, choose trusts, reduce tax liabilities, and distribute their assets. Other features include:

• A glossary of legal terms
• Advice for protecting families from creditors
• Guidance for unmarried partners
• The important role of charitable giving in your estate plan

Product Description
The misconceptions surrounding the last will and testament need to be put to rest:Wills benefit lawyers. Trusts benefit you. Period. Too often lawyers sell wills toclients only to sit back and wait to sell their probate services to their client’ s heirs. Modern estate planning should utilize the Living Trust as the effective,efficient, and inexpensive alternative to a will. Living Trusts for Everyone: Whya Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle explains why willsare not the best way to handle an estate and details the many advantages trusts haveover wills in not only eliminating probate, but protecting your assets for your heirs.Anyone with minor children, disabled beneficiaries, blended families, or spendthriftheirs must have a trust to be sure the assets left behind are put to good use, andthat your intentions are carried out. Lawyers may have vested interests in perpetuatingthe probate system, but this book will explain why legal services are not neededto do the clerical work in settling a trust after death. No legal jargon or confusingdouble-speak, just specific step-by-step instructions and sample form letters tosettle a trust are included to take the mystery out of the process. This is not ado-it-yourself book and it doesn’t try to cram every type of trust onto its pages.Living Trusts for Everyone explains in specific terms what benefit a trust will havefor you and gives you the tools to settle a loved one’s trust with no lawyers andno expense. For those who already have a trust, there is a list of what to look forto see if your trust is any good, or if it needs to be updated. Trust seminars areexamined with warnings on what to look out for in setting up your trust. Everyonewho cares about what happens to their assets at death should read Living Trusts forEveryone: Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good simple overall review
I especially liked the section that dealt with what to do when someone dies and the examples of notification needed.Good explanation of some of the instruments of of inheritance.Readable.

From understanding different types of trusts and how to fund them to selecting an attorney & considering the costs of paperwork
Living Trusts for Everyone: Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates advocates trusts and explains them in clear language, maintaining that a trust if often better than a will, and less costly. From understanding different types of trusts and how to fund them to selecting an attorney and considering the costs of paperwork, this is a fine pick!

Living Trusts for Everyone
"This is a book for the 95 percent of the population that has done no estate planning..."
The author is an attorney and has personally prepared over 4,000 trusts and estate plans.In the first chapter he reviews the differences between a will and a trust and states "The fact is that nearly everyone would be better off with a trust than with a will.In most cases the only person who benefits from our having a will instead of a trust is your lawyer.Attorney fees for making the will and probating the estate are a lawyer's bread and butter."
I highly recommend this book as it is specific yet easy to understand.A quick read will convince you of the importance of trusts or in the rare case of why you don't need one. The author has done an excellent job in giving detailed information without being dry or boring.Everything that he has written is important and no words are wasted.One very interesting facet of a trust is that the benefits are for the living and not just a method to disperse funds when someone passes away.As a reference tool the chapter headings allow you to review time after time as questions arise.My copy is now highlighted in yellow and green.
Very useful reading and a must for anyone who desires to manage their finances responsibly and profitably.

Carol Schultz-Weil
author In The Trenches - Financial Survival During Times of Hardship

Living Trusts for Everyone
Excellent product.Item was delivered on time as promised.I would purchase from the seller again. ... Read more

Product Description
Multistate Guide to Estate Planning gives the estate planning professional instant access to the estate planning laws of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In one comprehensive source, the Guide provides state-by-state guidance on how to minimize state taxes to preserve the multistate estate, achieve the desired disposition of property regardless of jurisdiction, resolve commonly encountered state law problems in estate practice, and assure asset protection. The easy to use format enables the estate planning professional to readily locate information concerning one state s treatment of a particular issue or compare the treatment required by several states all on the same table. Each table is broken into detailed, separate analyses, which consist of a series of detailed questions. The tables are designed for state-by-state comparisons. All information in the new and updated charts generally reflects state laws in effect on May1, 2008. ... Read more

Product Description
The American Bar Association Guide to Wills & Estates, Third Edition, contains everything you need to know about planning an estate, preparing a will or trust, and minimizing inheritance taxes. It is organized in easy-to-follow chapters with sidebars containing tips, checklists, and key information.

The ABA Guide to Wills & Estates will help you:

• Determine what to put in an estate plan
• Decide whether to prepare a will, trust, or living trust
• Avoid or reduce estate taxes
• Change plans if the law or your circumstances change
• Transfer property without a will with substitutes such as life insurance and joint tenancy
• Understand the benefits of living gifts and life insurance
• Choose an executor and trustee
• Guard against a will being contested ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great guide to a difficult activity
It is difficult emotionally and logistically to create a will or trust.I have been avoiding it for too long.But the ABA did itself proud with this one.I have done most of the "leg work" myself and feel confident going into my estate planner that I have the right questions to ask (and that I have saved myself a lot of money by pre-planning.)

A must-read for will/estate planning.I had purchsed other books that were so reader unfriendly that I never got past the first few chapters.Whoever actually wrote this one has the average (that is, not legally trained) person in mind and is able to empathize with what we know (and don't know) and how we feel.

superb guidebook for wills and estates
This is a modest format, 366 page guide that is superb.I has no bells and whistles, none of the pictures, diagrams and jokes typical of current books--just information presented in a very clear way.And nothing seems to be left out.Check out the table of contents.I stumbled onto it at the local library, and I am about to buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Protect your family, and skip the stress!

It's so important to plan ahead for your loved ones - and with The Busy Family's Guide to Estate Planning, you can do so easily and with confidence.

The book outlines 10 simple steps to take. Just tackle one step every month, and soon you can cross estate planning off your to-do list -- and have peace of mind knowing you've looked after your family.

Author Liza Weiman Hanks, a lawyer and a parent, gives you practical guidance about what's crucial to do now and what can wait. The Busy Family's Guide to Estate Planning will help you:

Product Description
The Michigan Estate Planning Guide, by P. Mark Accettura, is an unique publication that explains the estate planning process in terms easily understood by the layperson.Written by P. Mark Accettura in Question and Answer format, The Michigan Estate Planning Guide is an excellent primer for the beginner as well as a handy resource for the more advanced planner. The author, P. Mark Accettura, calls upon his twenty-plus years of experience as an estate-planning attorney and law professor to provide an insightful and concise explanation of the estate planning process.No other publication offers the general public the scope and depth of information contained in The Michigan Estate Planning Guide; all geared to MICHIGAN residents. The book contains a detailed Index and Glossary, and serves as the text for various paralegal and financial planning courses throughout Michigan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Great Guide, Easy to Understand for Anyone!
This book functions as a fantastic guide for any person!It includes critical information for estate planning, and is written in laymans terms.The easy to understand text makes this often intimidating subject comfortable, and gives the reader the confidence necessary to start takingcharge of his or her future and legacy! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Fantastic advice
I found so much goodness in this book that I bought multiple copies to give to family members. Everyone should read this book to help them prepare their finances for an easy transition for loved ones.

It's a great start
"Crash Course" is a great start for estate planning.I ordered 3 books, read this one first, and found it to be the most useful.It emphasizes the need to develop estate plans as an aid to your heirs.

2008 update not indicated on publisher's page
I just received this book, and although the cover has updated edition stamped on it, the publisher's page does not list the 2008 updated edition date at all. Also, the table of contents is exactly the same as the 2005 edition. So, what were the supposed updates exactly? Why doesn't the updated publishing date show on the publisher's page?

Great Book
This book was an easy to read book that provided some helpful information.Brought up some topics that I had never thought of and I appreciated that.I liked that it was an updated version and mentioned new rules, etc. Would recommend!

A must read for anyone making a will or serving as an executor
Great book.Gives a comprehensive background on the do's and dont's of setting up a will.Also gives a step by step blueprint of tasks handled by executors.Hopefully the next edition will cover a little more for elder/medical cost estate planning.All in all this is a five star book. ... Read more